I wanna thank everyone for joining us this evening for our last meeting of the year. Today is Thursday, 12/11/2025. Tomorrow's my Labor Day. My daughter's birthday. We're going to begin. Please, miss McKenzie. Oh, let's do the flag salute, please. If I may, president Velasquez will have the presentation of the colors by the Dickinson High School ROTC, and then we will have the amazing JC Arts Choir led by Hector Hernandez and
James Blonde. They will perform and then a heartwarming rendition of the national anthem and the, star spangled banner. K. When you're whenever you're ready. Congratulations to the flag of The United States Of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Okay. You may be seated. Thank you. Miss McKenzie, please call Rope. Good evening. In accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act NJSA 10 colon four dash six,
et sec, adequate notification of this meeting has been provided by advertising in the El Diario LaPrinza newspaper on Friday, 11/28/2025, and the Star Ledger on Sunday, 11/30/2025. Notice was also posted on the district website. I will now call the roll. Trustee Blunt? Present. Trustee Iofe? Present. Trustee Morris? Trustee Mohammed? Present. Trustee Patel? Present. Trustee Rosabella? Trustee Schneider? Here. Vice President Tisdale?
President Velasquez? Pressing. We have a quorum. Thank you. Again, I'd like to thank everyone for making it here on this frigid day. And, let us then begin our meeting with superintendent's message, please. Thank you, President Velasquez. Good evening, President Velasquez, trustees. Welcome to the December meeting of the Board of Education. As we gather tonight, I wanna take a few moments, and we're going to begin by recognizing two
they're not here yet? Okay. So then I am going to see because I see the young man who will be presenting his message on behalf of the citywide student council. And we have Deontay Simmons, Lincoln High School's student, a senior, and first vice president of education for the citywide student council. Would you please come to the podium? Good evening, superintendent doctor Fernandez, assistant superintendents, directors,
principal Gatson, board members, and community members. Thank you for inviting me to speak on behalf of the citywide student council. I am Deontay Simmons. I'm a senior at Abraham Lincoln High School and the first vice president of education for the citywide student council. My participation in the National Arts Society, Art Smart, Gardening Club, Yonkers Partners in Education, and NJCU's GEAR UP are opportunities to better myself as a person. Lincoln High School and my classmates have been beneficial to me,
and that both keep me engaged and focused from the distraction of hurtful life experiences. Now as we enjoy the holiday season, I want to express the importance of school activities and what a lifeline they serve. Participation in school activities, such as the citywide student council, bolstered my confidence and helped me not to linger in the holiday blues. In service to the students of Jersey City, I have enacted a tool which will support the mental health of students. This school's document is a lifeline
containing social and emotional lessons, which has been shared to all advisors and officers, encouraging continual conversations in their buildings and during our Saturday rejuvenation programs. The lifeline of school activities has helped me to work through my personal hardships. I cannot pretend I am not longing for the love and support of my parents during this holiday season. There is no silver lining to my loss, but I find that I am resilient, still college bound, and immersing myself in new interests,
all of which has been helping me to heal. Now I understand I'm not the only one who has obstacles. I see my classmates managing their personal tribulations. But please, take a second and imagine what great loss means to a student. It is thanks to our district leaders and school administrators that Jersey City students have been gifted with lifelines, such as access to mental health counseling, athletics, clubs, and extracurricular programs that our teachers and members of our community lead. New Jersey City students don't have to endure alone.
Our schools serve as our lifeline, so it's not uncommon to witness academic prosperity and healthy relationships amongst the Jersey City students, even during traumatic events. Our school community helps us learn patience, resilience, and magnify inner grits. And for me, I cannot continue his address without praise his feet most high, God. He's always guiding me and giving me support, especially after my parents passed away. To my mom and dad, thank you both for everything you did while you were alive. I only wish I got to spend more time with you.
Thank you to my sisters and the rest of my family, for not only helping me plan a strategy for my growth, but also being there for me when I needed it. Even though we might have gotten each other's nerves at times, and we all know and well, they know who they are. Thank you to my friends and club members who keep the day to day routine engaging. I don't just view you as peers, as friends. I think of you as family. As brothers I never as brothers I always wanted, and as sisters I never thought I would have. Thank you, Doctor. Fernandez, for entrusting me with this leadership position and an opportunity to be heard.
Thank you, Mr. Gatson, for representing to me the true spirit of a Lincoln Lion. Showing me what Lincoln High School really is when you look deep enough. Thank you to my advisor, Ms. Folkes, for providing unconditional support to me as an officer and during my time in Lincoln. And thanks to you, Ms. Williams, for always challenging me to do all things properly and in order. I thank you for your time. And to quote a movie that I saw a while ago, and I'm sure my older members of the audience should recognize it, In case I don't see you again, good afternoon, good evening,
and good night. Have a wondrous holiday, and see you next year. Absolutely wonderful and well done, young man. Thank you. If I may, Deontay, it is amazing the growth Mhmm. And development that you have demonstrated over the last two years. It is such a pleasure to see the young man before us ready to go to college, and I'm sure your parents are extremely proud of you. God bless. As superintendent, my work is guided by the board's vision,
and vice president Tisdale has been a relentless champion for that vision, specifically when it comes to our students. What I have admired most about your terms is when Trustee Tisdale is always, I'm playing devil's advocate. But it no matter how complicated that concern, topic, or the policy, you always brought the conversation back to the one fundamental question. How does this help the child in the classroom?
On behalf of the administration and staff, thank you for the time you have sacrificed away from your family and having fun to serve the district. We wish you nothing but the very best in your future endeavors. And I, this time, I have a plaque to present on behalf of the administration and the staff. If you would join me in the middle and, trustees join me, that would be lovely. I'm trying to turn this off. I can't turn it off.
I also have something for our student representative to the board. And when she comes in, we'll circle back around if it's okay with the board. As we gather tonight, I want to take a moment to reflect not just on the logistics of running this district, but on the people who make it run. Jersey City Public School District is not just a system of buildings. It is a living, breathing community dedicated to the future of our children. Hence, I must acknowledge the immense efforts occurring in our schools every single day.
Our progress is built on the shoulders of three specific groups. To our educators, you are the heartbeat of this district. Whether you're guiding your young learners or preparing seniors for college and career, your resilience, creativity, and dedication to our students do not go unnoticed. Thank you for showing up day after day to spark curiosity and inspire excellence. To our support staff, our custodians, our bus drivers, cafeteria workers, administrative assistants,
paraprofessional professionals, and security personnel, maintenance custodial, you are the backbone of our operations. You ensure our students are safe, fed, welcomed, and ready to learn. Our schools simply could not function without your tireless work behind the scenes. To our parents and guardians, thank you for trusting us with your children. We know that education is a partnership. Your advocacy, your presence at meetings and the support you provide at home are vital to our
child, our children's success. We are honored to be partners with you. Moving to the business of the district, I want to highlight a few key areas where we are seeing momentum as we go for the goal at all times. We are seeing the fruits of our labor across the the city, and I'm thrilled to share the following updates. The opening of the JC Arts program. Perhaps our most exciting infrastructure update of the Excellence is becoming a habit here. Once again,
our district has been highlighted by The US News and World Report with Infinity Institute Middle School ranking among the best in the nation and number one in the state. Cornelia f Bradford Elementary School is ranked the top elementary school in New Jersey and among the top in the nation. Doctor Ronald McNair academic high school is ranked number four in the state for many
consecutive years. These rankings are a testament to our rigorous curriculum and the high standards we hold for every student. I'm also honored to say that Liberty High School has been designated as a national blue ribbon school. This is one of the highest honors a school can receive in The United States. It recognizes exemplary teaching and learning. We also have innovation in action. Our students are also excelling outside the traditional classroom.
We recently saw incredible ingenuity at the Jersey City Public Schools twenty eighth Lego League competition. Joy confirms that the future of STEM is bright in Jersey City. PS three, middle school four, PS seventeen and twenty four, and Infinity Institute will be compete competing at the state level this Saturday. This past week, we celebrated the thirty sixth annual PATH poster contest event and we see the three
posters up here. Hundreds of students from kindergarten to eighth grade submitted a poster based on the theme of unity. Kyla Farrell, a fifth grader in the dual language program at the doctor Michael Conte school number five was the grand prize winner and her poster is displayed on every path train throughout the holiday season. And she demonstrated the concept of unity with the ducks that she sees around her
house from time to time working in unison. At this time, I'm going to introduce with a huge round the performers from the JC arts band and the choir performance. For he have regard the lowest state of his humble servant, This is great. I've I enjoy every presentation every month, but I love Christmas. Shake a hand, make a friend. You wanna take pictures with the pictures with the students? Yes.
Okay. It's more you got Jonas not here yet? Juan. That's it. Yeah. Juan. Joe. No. Didn't it? '23? Nope? Okay. Okay. I would wrap I'd I'd like the kids to the the students to stay before before we I'd like them to stay because I want to see the kind of place that I want them to be here. Okay. Okay? If I'm finished. Go ahead, please. I'm finished. Okay. We're going to have the students I hope they don't take them home. I hope that the students can come around and and take a seat, before they go.
I, as I said, we appreciate every single performance from every single student. For some reason, Christmas is so special to some of us for a variety of reasons. And, I really am proud of what our group has done here today. And I know that as they continue to work at the new art school, pretty soon, we'll probably be on Broadway somewhere. Anyways, thank you all. And if the board would like to say a few words on behalf for the
students, I'd appreciate that. Who'd like to start? Yes. Afa. Good evening, everybody. Very beautiful performance. Yes. I always enjoy the singing, the music. Even at the PATH station when we saw the the PATH contest, the music was beautiful. The students put a lot of effort until you could tell. And, I would just like to see more dancing. Nice. Maybe they do the when they get the band, you know how the band plays and they dance playing. But either way, we could look at that. Maybe we could just have you dance the next time. Me? As they go up. With the shimmery thing over there. Yes.
Right? But, yeah, I like the sparkles. But I I like the performances, and, it shows that the the teachers are dedicated to actually teaching the tune the students music, and it shows. Thank you. Next. Ms. Iovka. Thank you. I just want to say that I always marvel at what our music teachers are capable of because I often see situations where in any given school, there may not be sufficient time or space to rehearse with the entire group because everybody's got exams or different grade levels. And then they manage to take these kids in small groups sometimes,
rehearse with them. And then when the concert comes together, it's just the most incredible thing because it's like they put them like a puzzle or a kaleidoscope, and everything makes sense and they shine. And it's each time to me, it's like witnessing a miracle. So, you know, definitely, the music teachers are very special people, and great props to you guys if you are here. Thank you. Thank you. Next. Anyone else would like to speak on the students and the great job that they do? I think the applause said it all. Right? Thank you so very much.
Now, also, if I may, before we go into speaking, the speakers and and closed session, I have got to take this opportunity to wish well and godspeed to a colleague who has become a friend, someone that has come to this board as strength in pedagogy, And as he expressed himself every month, we grew stronger in pedagogy. Chris Tisdale is going to be sorely missed. He has at times been a thorn on our side,
but more importantly than that, he has been that voice of reason and have brought clarity to a lot of our confusion. I'm hoping that we, as colleagues, will say our, departure words here tonight with much care and much love, because he has done nothing but care and love this district, a district that raised him. And in saying that, we have to take pride in this district.
If anybody has been through here throughout all of our meetings and listening to Chris, we must take pride in the job that this district has done. Chris is not the only one that this district have polished and saved. We're gonna miss you, but I know you're not gonna go very far, Chris. We're always gonna love you. And, you know, I was saying, what do I remember about Chris that will always be with me? And there's six words that you always said, and one day you said them to me.
I must return them. That's the way the cookie crumbles. Remember that one? I will always remember him when someone says that. So, we do have a little thank you and little care package for Chris and maybe Doctor. Fernandez, if we could take a picture in a little while, the board and and, of course, you all of you with Chris, but I would like for my colleagues to express any sentiments, good sentiments that we have of Chris.
Yes. Through the chair? Yes. I second a lot of what you said. And as doctor Fernandez mentioned, you know, we each have a Christopher quote that we like. My doctor Fernandez mentioned the devil's advocate. My favorite will always be perception drives reality. You know it. Yes. In many, many hours of conversations and often frustrating conversations, but ultimately truthful. And I I also will miss you very much, and I want to, reinforce what Lanie said that, you know, regardless of any bumps that we had as a team,
regardless of the disagreements, but no one will ever doubt, and I certainly will never doubt, the the fact that in everything you do and have done, it's always been to make sure that this district can be the best it could possibly be For the sake of its children and and teachers and staff, there's absolutely no doubt in my mind, regardless of how we expressed our, you know, different opinions, but your heart is true, and no one can ever deny that. And so thank you for that. We will miss you very much.
Your sense of style, your sense of humor. Thank you, Christopher. Godspeed, whatever you do. Through the chair? Yes. Over the course of knowing, mister Teasdale before, and I kept saying to him, when are you gonna finally happen? When are you gonna get your doctorate? And then that final day came. He sent text message to all of us saying, it's happened. I am now doctor Chris Teasdale. And then over the course of the year, he was honored three times. And I I went to every one of his, ceremonies. You're respected by your community, respected by your friends,
and this board will miss you. Ain't no doubt about that. We will miss you. Through the chair? Yes. I wholeheartedly agree. Since day one of getting on, you have taken every phone call whether or not it's a two hour session of me venting or I'm venting. It's usually me. Or, telling me to ask better questions or get to the point. You have always been extremely direct, and I have appreciated it because it has allowed me to have a stronger voice and to figure out exactly what it is that I'm trying to say quicker.
So I appreciate all of the time that you take because it's not even just the time that people see here. It is also behind the scenes, during the day to day that people will never understand that that happens. So I appreciate you for everything. Through the chair. Yes. You know, Chris, from the first time we talked on the phone, you know, I think before, you know, even being sworn in, just what came through with your care and your passion. And that's one thing I've seen more and more of you this year is you care, you know, 110%, and you're passionate, and you're not afraid to fight even when,
you know, everyone else is going the other other direction. You you stay stay true to yourself, and I respect that. I hope that I can carry just a little of that forward, and, you will be missed. So So thank you. Yes. Thank you. Anyone else? Yes. Madam president? Yes. Mr. Morris? I just wanted to say it's been a complete honor, being able to serve, two years, with you, but I am not sad, that you're leaving because I just believe that this is just one chapter, on your wall of of achievements that has come to an end and another one
is going to open up. So you're too young to quit. So I already know that, there are many endeavors, that you have, and I'm actually quite interested in seeing what the next chapter holds for you, because your ideas and your, your your overall your overall tenacity on this board has not only opened some of our eyes to a different perspective because you come from an educational background. So you see things differently than we do. So I always admired that about you because when I didn't understand something,
you gave clarity. So I know that this is not the end. I know that there's something else coming, so I'm very happy, for you in the close of this chapter and the beginning of the next. So, you know, congratulations on that next chapter and, you know, get some rest because I know this board, you know, pays a toll on you sometimes. So, but overall, it was it was great working with you. Amazing. Yes. On purpose. That's my favorite Chris doctor Tisdale quote. I'm not gonna make you cry here, But, running the election, from the beginning, our first run,
the face you gave me. I already told you what it said. Did I disappoint? Okay. It's been a a great journey, watching you grow on the and just, having as a friend someone I can talk to and connect with and, on many levels. And I appreciate you. I appreciate the work that you do for the children. I appreciate your perspective and your outlook on life. And I wish to be well, not wish, but I intend to be still your friend and still continue to speak to you at 03:00 in the morning.
Yes. It's your turn. Oh, Alba. I'm sorry, Alba. Thank you, Chris, for all the good work that you've done for our district, and it shows that you truly care about the children because, you know, that's the whole point of being a board member to help the district, and you truly shine in that. And I wish you all the best. Thank you very much. Thank you, everyone. Now, doctor Tisdale. He came in as Chris. He's leaving as doctor Tisdale. Yes. I am. So it has truly been an absolute pleasure. It has not always been,
you know, fun, but a true pleasure all the way from the beginning to the end. Jersey City is where I got my start. You know, I graduated from elementary school here. I went to high school here. And this is where I learned to find my voice. And so as an educator, that was my focus. Well, is my focus with my students. Find your voice. Don't be afraid to stand in your spotlight. Unapologetically be you regardless of who doesn't like it. It. Amazing. Yes. And interesting going around this table,
listening to all of you. My students too all have a different statement that they say we all have that you're funny and this, this, and that. I will miss you all too on occasion, but I will see you around. So, like, you know, you said, this is not the end. It's just the beginning. Congratulations to Lorenzo as you come in. You know, it's, a level of camaraderie that is already existing, but you all will find your path. I'm sure. Remember, the focus is the children, and the goal is to make things better. Like I said before,
we should get ahead of the situation. Don't wait for the problem to present itself before the solution is there. We can all do better. You know what needs to happen. Don't be afraid to do it. Move it forward. And don't be afraid to to take onus for what we do. It's okay. We made a mistake. You fix it. Okay. Accountability is necessary. But thank you for having me for these past three years. I thought it would be another three, but I'm not mad that it won't be. So I'll just have to see you all around.
Thank you again. And we will see you, and, actually, you'll look a little more spiffy when you wear these Oh, wonderful. To add to your fashion statement. Can we take a picture, doctor? Go ahead. Would you like a picture, president Velasquez? Sure. Let's go to the This. You call it the center. It is. It really is. Through the through the chair, one more thing. Yes. If I may. I I just wanna say thank you again. This it's really nice on my way out to be, to have been so well received. You know, I'm not always the,
simplest or easiest to kind of work with, but the intention is always for the better of the group. So I just wanted to say that it was just such a nice honor to be received so well from everyone in in the process. Thank you. Yes. And then that note, doctor Fernandez, do you have any you have some students. Right? The the schools no. That's it for us. The attendance, schools are not here. It's not here. So we're gonna go oh, okay. Okay. Great.
So every month, we recognize a school for their attendance. And this month, we are recognizing the achievement of the, PS thirty nine for their improvement, the Charles d Defutio School thirty nine. Thank you for your work on improving attendance. Trustees, just as we sat down, it's time to get up again. Okay. Thank you, president Velasquez. That's it. Thank you. Thank you, doctor Fernandez. And, we are now ready for public comments.
If if our, counselor is ready with the statement before, we begin. Thank you. Good evening, everyone. I'm gonna read the public comment statement for this evening. All speakers must adhere to the three minute speaking rule. The clock shall not be stopped. Speakers will be called to the microphone to speak in the order that their request is received. All statements or comments shall be directed to the chair. It is the expectation of the board that comments will remain positive and focused around the best interest of students and the district. The board will not condone comments that can be perceived as harassing,
insulting, threatening, or lacking in respect or civility. The chair reserves the right to do the following, a, interrupt, warn, and terminate a participant statement or comment when it is too lengthy. B, interrupt and or warn a participant when the statement or comment is abusive, obscene, or may be defamatory. C, request any person to leave the meeting when that person does not observe reasonable decorum or presents themselves as a danger to others in the building. D, request the assistance of law enforcement officers in the removal of a disorderly person when that person prevents or disrupts a meeting with an act that obstructs or interferes with
the meeting, including threats by words, actions, or objects. E, call a recess or an adjournment to another time and the lack of public decorum interferes with the orderly conduct of a meeting. And f, waive these rules when necessary for the protection of privacy or to maintain an orderly operation of the board meeting. Thank you. Thank you very much, miss McKenzie. Please Our first speaker, McKenzie Dimitri. Hello. Good afternoon. Good evening. My name is Mackenzie Dimitri. I have two children enrolled in p s thirty seven. And I I felt the need to take the time to be here tonight after,
reviewing the results of the recent report detailing financial mismanagement in our special education department. Obviously, happy to hear that it sounds like the district agrees, that the results of the report are egregious. But what brought me here tonight is the intentional concealment or suppression of the report, which in my opinion, and I think is shared widely amongst a lot of parents that I've spoken to, irreparably damages the trust between the administration and between the public. And that's why I'm here. I can't think of a single objective that could possibly be served by hiding the
report for as long as it was hidden, other than to avoid accountability. My understanding and again, I think the first call to action has to be to release the second half of the report, which we still haven't seen, and my understanding is that it was provided more than a year ago. So my understanding is that the district has received the report and in the intervening year has assured the public that policies and procedures are being implemented to address the findings. But the report is specific and detailed. And I think it necessitates a response in kind.
I think that we deserve to know with some reasonable and practical amount of specificity, what changes are being implemented to address the specific issues identified in the report? So, for example, are changes being made to vendor contracts? Were disciplinary actions taken? Were any vendor relationships discontinued as a result of the report? For example, are we requiring additional detailed detail on invoices? I'm sure we are, but I would love to hear that. And I would love for there to be some transparency with specificity.
I think that would go a long way toward repairing that trust and that bridge between the public and the administration. I think that this kind of transparency in action is called for in the moment, and I sincerely hope the administration meets that moment head on. As a parent, you know, anecdotally I've experienced this. I, signed my son up for reading tutoring with the Marker Learning Company a year ago. Went through a month long of my time, emailing the district, trying to get information about the reading tutoring with this outside vendor. As soon as he was signed up, I was told the contract was canceled.
I don't know where I got no further information. I don't know if the vendor was replaced. I don't know if my son was billed for. He never received services. And so I think that this is kind of typical. I think the report articulates our experience in an important way. So I'm asking for the second part of the report to be released immediately, and for the district to order a full and comprehensive audit with recommendations for for immediate action tied to a time line. Thank you. Deepika? Hi. My name is Emily Peko. I'm here as a parent and community member. Since 2019, we have been calling for a comprehensive audit of the special education department.
Department. Financial audit results we've finally received confirm what many families have experienced for years: systemic failures that deny our students their legal rights. But a financial audit is only half the picture. Our students need more than budget corrections. They need consistent, quality education and services that meet their specific needs. Tonight, I'm asking the board for four concrete actions. First, release part two of the audit immediately. Give us a date. If sections are ready, release them as they become available. Transparency cannot wait. This delay is unacceptable.
Second, review the Teaneck Public Schools audit and action plan I sent you yesterday. I programmatic audit that examines what's actually happening in our classrooms and IEP meetings. Interview parents, students, and educators. Assess service quality, equity, and whether kids are getting what they're legally entitled to. Financial compliance means nothing of Please provide a timeline and updates on this. The recent administrative changes and audit findings make this a pivotal moment. You have an opportunity to demonstrate that this board values accountability, transparency,
and most importantly, our students' right to a free and appropriate public education. We are not going away. We will continue to show up, ask questions, and demand the reforms our children deserve. Thank you. Thank you, Ms. Pickup. Next. And please forgive me if I mispronounce your names. Jessica Tao. Good evening, to all. My name is Jessica Tao, and I am the parent of a child at PS seventeen and a parent of a child with an IEP who has not been inside a classroom for a year and a half. I'm here tonight to address the findings of the first half of the recent special
education audit and to urge the district to take decisive, transparent action that meets legal requirements and what our children deserve. In my experience as a mental health professional and community organizer working in schools, when we pour into those who are most vulnerable, everyone does better. The district has embraced trauma informed practices. This means that we assume that everyone in a school has been touched by trauma, and we adjust our mindsets and implement practices to support those who've experienced trauma, the most vulnerable. We must do the same thing when it comes to special education, and we are not doing that right now.
I shared my own story at the September meeting. Tonight, I'm here to remind us that regardless of the good intentions of those who work with our children, the troubling issues at play here are systemic. Yet systems are run by people, and it is the responsibility of the people with the most power and the biggest paychecks to ensure that the systems are operating effectively and equitably. We know from the audit and countless stories from parents that they are not. You want us to give you a chance to address the findings, but you have to understand why many of us do not trust that you'll proceed in a way that is proactive, effective,
and equitable. You either had to know this was happening and ignored it or just were not doing your jobs. I have been organizing conversations with dozens of parents, and each day, I get referred to another parent in special education who has a story about how the system has failed their child. While I wish more would come to these meetings, I need you to know they are out there and they actually contributed to the demands that we have come up with. Some don't come because they have a disabled child at home. Some because they are afraid of retribution. Some because they've never spoken at a board meeting and are nervous. Some because they don't want to share their story publicly. And some because, frankly, they've lost faith that coming here will result in any meaningful action.
I'm here tonight for myself and for them to ask the board to hold the superintendent and the district leaders accountable for fixing this and fixing it well. It is not an easy job, but it is the job they are paid to do. I have some recommendations. Release part two of the special education audit ASAP and give us a date, and as Emily said, release as parts become available. Review the T Nex special education audit and action plan that Emily shared, conduct a national search for a new director to make sure there's a competitive process for the permanent role. This is not a personal attack against miss Galiz. It is that we do we deserve to know who the best person is for
the job, and we will not know that unless we initiate a competitive search that she can apply for. But we must consider people from outside the district. What we have seen coming from inside at the top has been troubling in multiple departments, not just special education. So, therefore, we need to consider fresh perspective. Ultimately, we also want to see a much more comprehensive and programmatic audit. I know many of the people who work with children in special education in Jersey City are wonderful, and I mean them no disrespect. And I believe they're doing their best, but we must do better in leadership. Thank you.
Thank you, miss Taul. Angelie Prakash? Hello. Hello. My name is Anjali. I'm parent of two high schoolers. I'm here to talk about systemic issues. It seems like your microphone is not on, miss Okay. My name is Anjali Prakash. I'm a parent of high schoolers. I'm here to talk about systemic issues that face the district using my example. I summarize them as deny, delay, defend. My children have experienced four failed placements, three years of school refusal, multiple multiple mental health crisis. Our journey didn't begin there.
It began in sixth grade when the principal of our middle school told us over the phone, there is nothing I can do for you, mom. Have you considered homeschooling? As years went on, I met families with nearly identical stories. Families who were made to feel like the system had no place for for their children. Deny. We have had clinicians provide specific recommendations for my children's needs, yet the district repeatedly failed to implement any program aligned with those directives. Our story is just an example of a much larger problem. Too many children in this district are sitting at home without placement,
without instruction, without a path forward delay. When one of my children became severely ill and clinically unable to return to their placement that was mentioned in the settlement agreement, we requested a modification. Instead of taking immediate action, the district delayed for eight months and ultimately refused. We were forced to secure an appropriate placement privately, something no family should ever have to do to keep their child alive. For those eight months, district attorneys worked with us in good faith drafting proposed changes that were ultimately rejected by the special education department.
It does make one wonder whether those resources might have been better spent providing appropriate supports from the outset. Defend. Litigation is not a service model. My story reflects a systemic failure to meet evolving needs of disabled children, failure of access. Children's needs evolve. Diagnoses evolve. FAPE obligation is ongoing. Not frozen in time at the moment a settlement agreement is signed or a placement is secured. Tonight, I urge the board to listen to the previous speakers release part two of the audit with a clear date. Transparency cannot and should not wait.
Read the TNEC audit. It offers a model for real accountability. Initiate a programmatic audit that includes interviews with parents, students, and staffs to assess, program quality, inequities, delays, and why why so many children remain without placement and for how long. Conduct a national search for a permanent director of special education. We need leadership that understands disability law, clinical complexity, and partners with parents. When admin administrators tell parents in IEP meetings that their children don't attend school because we're bad parents or keep them in placements that have been proven to be clinically
harmful, then we need an outside look to a program that can repair it. We're not targeting it. Gosh. Ebony Ball. So Ebony Ball. So heny Karara. Sorry for the mispronounce. Good evening, board. Thanks for hearing comments from stakeholders in our Jersey City public schools. My name is Shodhini Bhattacharya, and I have a kindergartner and a third grader in PS sixteen. My comment is about the disparity between the recommendations on the use of technology in classrooms, and what students are actually experiencing.
But first, I'd like to tell you a little bit more about where I'm coming from. I worked for an EdTech company called Newsela for the better part of a decade. When I started working there, my colleagues and I were optimistic about how EdTech tools could transform student outcomes and experiences for the better. We talked to hundreds of teachers and administrators and heard their challenges firsthand. This is from all around the country, especially around differentiating instruction for diverse learners and being able to assess them in real
time to ensure they were on track. So I still believe that these tools can be of use to busy, often overworked teachers and administrators. What I cannot support is the following. The over reliance on tech and screens now tipping way into elementary, especially early elementary grades, where research shows that this modality causes more harm than good. The overuse of non instructional videos during lunch, recess, gym, times when students should be interacting with each other, socializing, and or benefiting from physical activity without the distraction of screens.
The ease with which students can access non instructional content, and most importantly, a lack of concrete policy to address these issues, starting with enforced screen time maximums, not minimums, and blocking harmful sites proactively. We have ample evidence from parents and stakeholders that these things are happening. We need meaningful district wide policy, not only to prevent ongoing back and forth between building level administrators and the district at large, but also to properly address the unique challenges of the moment. Thank you for your consideration.
Thank you, miss Sylvia Charles. Good evening. I'm going to use my three minutes to review last month's meeting, in hope that these will be on the public record record to make clear several issues I noted while reviewing the meeting. Doctors Fernandez continued to state during the discussion of the audit, and I quote, because as I shared earlier, there was not part of the old contract to document the number of students on a monthly basis with tuitions with attendance to be paid.
The old contract did not include attendance or enrollment. Compare this to the audit which states on page six. The receiving district agrees to adjust the final monthly tuition bill based upon a per diem rate for the actual number of days the pupil is enrolled. I'm using this point as a clear example of the district's willingness to obfuscate facts while an auditor is present, while you all have paper comments, paper in your hand that states these facts. So let us then consider the following.
Doctor Fernandez states that she received findings for this audit around October 2024, but they were incomplete. But clearly, not incomplete enough for doctor Franapfel to write a memo to the board complaining about doctor Cristinino. It's my belief that he had seen enough of what was taking place and sought to alert the board at that October morning. When that failed, two days later, he resigned. But that did not stop the board from approving doctor Crisamino's salary increase on November 20, one month later.
Doctor Fernandez stated that since January, the district has started to make changes, and yet it wasn't until August that doctor Cristinino and a colleague were escorted from the premises. Why was the audit not released to the public until after the November? You can't run a a cover up and run a school district. You need to pick one. The board of education is elected by the people to represent the people of Jersey City and to provide the governance and oversight of the school district.
You're not a rubber stamp. And that's why I'm asking if you actually want to clean up the school district, please release part two of the special educate education audit now. We want a clear public time time line for this cleanup. We want a designated project lead, a point person that can be held accountable and that we can reach out to. We want full transparency, including holding meetings where time lines and updates are shared with parents and stakeholders publicly, and there's a back and forth. And we want you to initiate a fully transparent district wide audit,
including all of the things I already mentioned for the special education. Thank you. Thank you, miss Charles. Next, please. Alyssa Nann. Evening. My name is Alyssa Nann, and I am the parent of a first grader at PS thirty seven. I am here tonight to speak about a couple of things. I echo many of the comments that the parents have already made regarding the special education report, including, you know, finding out at the last meeting that part one had been, with doctor Fernandez and the board for nearly a year, and that, you know, corrective action had seemingly been taken without any discussion of what that was,
how it was being put into place. I think things like that could go a long way to building corrective action already taking place based on that phase one, what is it? Who's in charge of it? What is happening? If we could see the progress that's being made, I think that would be very helpful and and hopefully encouraging to a lot of these parents that are feeling, left behind. And I I echo the comments of the other parents on the four suggested action items that I understand were emailed to the board already. I also would like to, ask about the audit of the HR department that was,
approved at the last meeting. I see item 12.3 tonight looks like the appointment of mister Rivera's firm. I assume that was in connection with the HR audit. I understand that's probably something to be discussed in closed session. But to have some understanding of the scope and timing of that audit, I think, would be, helpful and go a long way in building trust and being transparent. I also wanted to speak about the Bright Street lease that's on the the agenda, item 9.15 tonight. My understanding is this was discussed at the caucus meeting on Tuesday, and it seems that there's a lot of information missing.
You know, the the building is, the designated use is is for a trade school, which is a specialized purpose. There's only a thirty day bidding process. I I don't know what any marketing was done. I mean, I don't know if marketing was done, if if any. And it seems like, you know, there are two under market bids that came in, and there was not much public information available about the bidder that's up the the lessor that's up for consideration tonight. So I would urge urge the board to, either not vote on that and table it until the information, is provided to the board or to vote it down,
including whether there's been diligence done to confirm that even at the low rental rates, you know, can this tenant, has sufficient resources to pay the lease as well as any repairs to the building, requisite insurances, and other obligations that can arise. I also wanted to, thank doctor Fernandez and miss Raine. We had, a very constructive, I think, first call on the use of technology in the schools, yesterday morning, and we appreciated your time and and attention to that matter. And I wanted to make the board aware that we did have that meeting, and I think there's a lot of parents that are very concerned about the use
of technology in school, as the last parent just Thank you, miss Nann. Megan Fox. Kirsten Meister. Daniel La. Alright. Good evening, superintendent Fernandez and board president Velasquez. Good evening. First of all, thank you for this opportunity to speak here tonight. I wanted I watched the replay of the last board meeting on November 13 and was troubled by what I heard. While it was my first board meeting, I could clearly see and feel a a long pattern of frustration and discontent from both parents and district employees alike.
What was particularly troubling were the audit findings for the special education department. I think no one disagrees that there has been significant mismanagement of the resources you've been entrusted with. With that said, as I've listened to you in other form forums, I do think that the district does have the best intentions and wishes to serve the children of our city. I don't think you wake up every day trying to cause harm or make the lives of some of the district employees miserable, But from the many stories I have listened to, you are doing that very thing.
So where do we go from here? How do we make this better? I would like to offer a suggestion. I would request that you step back and accept what you have heard recently with humility. I know the concept of humility is not a popular concept in our society today, but I personally think it is an essential leadership characteristic. As was described to me a few years ago about humility, it is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less. I think one dimension of what this means practically is being open to feedback, as hard hitting as it can be sometimes. Admitting your mistakes and knowing both your strengths and weaknesses in particular.
I've looked at other large urban school districts across The United States that are generally well regarded, not perfect by any means, but exceeding the bar across many dimensions, such as New York City, Boston, and Miami school districts. And I noticed one fundamental thing. They seem to have selected the right people who have some fiscal and business operations experience. I noticed that both the Boston Public School and New York City school districts have a designated CFO, David Bloom and Sarita Scott, respectively. And yes, I do understand that the New York City school district's budget is significantly larger than
Jersey City's at 43,000,000,000, and Miami's is at about 8,000,000,000. But Boston's fairly close to Jersey City, but at about 1,600,000,000.0. In any event, there are insights, I think, that could be drawn here. Is there a business operations counterpart in Jersey City? I noticed miss Francine Luce as a business administrator. I noted her background as in early childhood education at NJCU, and she has a doctorate of education degree from Saint Peter's University. While I'm sure she's wonderful in the teaching world, does she have the best qualifications to see a 1,000,000,000 budget? And Thank you,
mister Lee. Jasmina Mendoza. Hello. Good evening. Well, my name is Jasmina Mendoza, and I'm here tonight as a parent whose child has endured serious bullying and many violent assaults on school grounds of PS seventeen. The physical harm was traumatic, but what has compounded that that trauma is the way the incident was handled afterwards. As a parent, I expected transparency, accuracy, immediate communication. Instead, my family encounters delayed information, incomplete details, and inconsistencies. I want to be clear and respectful,
but also firm. Parents have a legal right to be informed when their child is harmed. Students have a legal right to a safe educational environment, free from intimidation, retaliation, and violence. When information is not handled transparently, rights are compromised. My son my son's name is Adrian Mendoza, and he's six years old. Adrian has suffered from seizures since he's 18 old. And because of this, he has speech delays and learning disabilities. Tonight, I'm asking this board I'm sorry.
I'm asking this board to fulfill its legal and ethical duty of care by taking the following actions. Reporting timeline reporting timelines so parents receive timely, complete, and accurate information. Three, ensure strict adherence to conflict of interest policies, including reassignment on investigative authorities when necessary, and consistency across the board for students regardless of who their parent is. I am speaking not only for my child who is still recovering physically and emotionally, but for every student in this district,
safety cannot depend on luck. Transparency cannot be selective. And trust cannot exist without accountability. I have done more than my part to bring awareness to this unfortunate situation. I will be direct. My child has been pushed, kicked, choked, and verbally abused. Children are being threatened at PS 17 by a child saying that he will bring a knife from their house to to cut off another child's head off,
and with a hammer, he will he will break up his head. And this is being covered because his mother works for the district. This Can I Next, please? Can I please finish your fifth miss Mendoza, we all we respect, your concerns, and we will address them? However, everyone gets three minutes, and I'm really sorry. Please let's move on. We will we're going to move on. Thank you. Please call the next person. It's Miranda. Brandon. Mana Ng. Nisha Patel. Lorenzo Richardson, Thank you and good evening.
First I'd like to say to, Chris Tisdale, who's been a colleague of mine on this board, you are gonna be sorely missed and, but I know that we'll be staying in touch. We talk all the time. I have some questions on agenda items. So 7.16, I'd like to know what contributed to that district carry over of the $23,600,000 for the, Early Childhood Funding on that agenda item. 9.1. There's an organization or company called First On-site. Doing facility work repairs.
What what necessitated the hiring of that company at $71,000 to go outside of the district for facility repairs? Dollars 9.15 I don't see clarity in the statement on this item. It says that the district is in need of a lease. It literally starts out saying that, which I don't understand. And, I wanted to know in lieu of that, what happened to the prior options that were looked at for this particular school?
9.16, which is a bid. What newspapers were contacted? It just says newspapers were contacted. It doesn't say who. Where are the responses? Because they are not included in the documentation. And how many were there and, what were their scores? Because none of that is there. 10.01, can a cumulative project summary be drawn up for the Board in January for the eSIP with an update on the deliverables
from DCO and CHA? We see a lot of payments and everything going out, but not a lot of detail on projects and progress. 10.07 Should the RTK, Right to Know contract be a different vendor since the same company is doing the testing? This is 10.07. You have Tectonic doing both should you have a separate company doing the Right to Know and the other doing the testing. Jenny Contuzzi. Hello everyone.
I appreciate the opportunity to speak with you tonight. I am the parent of an autistic child who is currently a third grade student in the district. He is now in his sixth school since starting pre k four. When we got our placement letter this year, he said to me, well, maybe this will be the last new school. But I know I can't promise that. It is detrimental to any child to be moved so often, but especially an Autistic student for whom relationship building is a stated goal.
This year, he was transitioning from an autism classroom to the next step up, a self contained mild to moderate learning disabled classroom, because his teacher and case manager felt he was capable of more academically and socially than the autism placement could offer. This type of classroom was available at the school he was already attending, but we were moved because this new school was closer to our home. It didn't matter that he was comfortable at the school, that he knew the teachers and support staff and they knew him. Starting a new school means starting over with a new case manager,
new administrators, and new teachers and support staff who don't know his history or needs. When we arrived on the first day of school, I learned his IEP had not even been reviewed. And important transitional supports were not fully implemented until seven weeks into the school year. It should not be too surprising that he has not been successful in this new placement. And we are putting him back in an autism classroom. I can understand that budget and busing needs is what determines school placement from year to year.
But damage is being done to our children and our most vulnerable children. I would urge the board to take the opportunity presented by the audit to really look at what is going on in terms of the experience that these students are having in school. And so that all students have what they need to go for the gold at all times. Thank you. Jean Blair. Thank you, Ms. Gattusi. Sabrina Harold. Good evening, everyone. I just want to say thank you very much, Doctor. Tisdale, for your services on the board and hopefully you'll circle back around and give us
some more service. And thank you and best of luck in your future endeavors. This evening I wanted to speak in reference to the lease for the 70 Bright Street School facility. And, some of my concerns in doing the research on this, this I don't know what you want to call it. Deal? Arrangement? Did you all know that the, company or the nonprofit was just organized on 11/07/2025? And that the actual bid was posted on Tuesday,
November 4. So, like, three days later, this nonprofit is putting in a bid for a property and a lease agreement without having any type of experience, any type of community input, no type of what did you all base this on? Because in the in the documents, it's saying that they had the they were the they were the best qualified. But how are they best qualified if they were just created three days before the bid went out? How do we do this? Why are we addressing and and and and spending taxpayers' dollars
on bids from companies that's newly formed. So, I mean, I could form a company tomorrow and go put a bid in? Is that what is that what we're doing with the taxpayers' dollars? And as board trustees, the taxpayers, we're putting our trust in you all to do the same reading that we can do to find this information, ask the right questions, and hold people accountable. Now there may be something more to this, and it may be a great program and a great opportunity because I am familiar with some of the names that are part of this organization. And and they're wonderful people.
However, it just doesn't look right. And I think maybe you all should think about tabling until you get more information. And more information should be made available to the public so because we are investors here into this whole project. So we have more information so that we can say, yeah. You know, we support this. This would be great for our our our community and for our district. But when things are done this way, it it it doesn't look too good. So with that being said, you all have a wonderful holiday. It's nice seeing you again. I will see you all in January.
Have a great evening. Thank you, miss Harrell. Amy Sharrock. Hello, everyone. Amy Sharrock. I am a mom of two kids at p s thirty seven, a community member, and I'm here to speak about two things. I was here to speak about just the 70 Bright Street project. However, after hearing about the special education audit that's not an audit my heart is is broken. With a child with additional needs and myself with multiple learning disabilities, if it wasn't for the small school I grew up in and the services they
gave me, how they taught my parents how to help me, I would not be standing here today. College wouldn't have been in my future. If we don't do that for our children and we don't release the audit and we don't take action, they will be left behind. They are the most underrepresented group, period, and we're not doing enough for them. Please release the audit, and let's work together to take accountability and next steps and be transparent. That said, the 70 Bright Street, there are a lot of holes here.
It is completely below market value. Thinking that that building is anywhere from 40 to 45,000 square feet. So we're estimating the $10,000 a month after year two would be about $4.80 a square foot? That's downtown, which is about 60 to $70 a square foot. That's questionable. Additionally, there are concerns that I have with the lease agreement. The lease agreement says a whole lease versus a triple net lease.
The triple net lease protects the taxpayers. There is no information on any capital improvements that will be made. And if there is capital improvements being made, we need to see them. We need to know by an attorney looking this over how we're holding them accountable. Yes. We do. And when they don't do the improvements, how will we be able to retract that? So this could be a great program, and it's a great opportunity for Jersey City, but we need to do the due diligence, just like we're saying for the special audit for education.
Thank you. Cheryl Mays. Thank you. Good evening, all. Tonight, I'm here to talk about, once again, being owed overtime, and I wanna hold up the pre authorizations that I sent in on time. And I'm a say it again, on time. And I wanna hold up the approval. So how is it that I get approved to be paid, to make this department, but still I'm not paid, and it's thrown back on me. I'm being told I sent it in late. I absolutely did not send it in late. Why would I send my overtime in late?
So now I should have been paid the first batch on November 14. So I said, okay. Let me wait. The next batch, I should have been paid on November 26. I didn't get it then either. So I'm talking about the pay period between October 15 to November 21. Now I'm owed forty five hours. That's over $1,600 And will I get my money tomorrow? I'm not sure. As far as the labor board goes, there was a woman named Yashanda Muhammad, and Keisha helped her out. Now first, she filed the grievance.
It went nowhere. Mister Schwartz said, oh, no. She filed it too late. New Jersey gives you six years to go for your money. So she went to the labor board twice. They awarded her $20,000, but most of that was liquid damages because that's what happens if you go to the labor board. They give you liquid damages. Now according to the labor board, how they pay us anyway is wrong. They make us wait thirty days to find money. So in other words, if I work from September 1 to September 10, I have to wait till October 10 for I mean, October 1 for that money. The labor board says that's wrong,
so you're breaking labor laws. Now board members, I'm requesting no. Let me go back. I'm sorry. The labor board ordered this district to pay this woman $20,000, gave them forty five days. They ignored it. It had to go to a judge so the district could be served. And you could find out this information because the district was served, and they have and they had to pay her her money. But that had to go to a judge. Nobody should have to go through all that to get their money. If you owe us money, you should pay us. Board members, I'm requesting that you're requesting these practices because this is beyond a personnel issue.
At this point, it is wage theft. Millions walked out of this district without invoices, but I have proof here. But employees aren't being paid. Now, to me, it's foolish. But maybe you want me to go to labor, boy, so you have to pay me extra wages or what they call damages, liquid damages. Is that what you wanna do? Because it sounds foolish to me. But please have a blessed night. Peace. And, King, doctor Tisdale, I wish you the best, my brother. Thank you, miss Mays. Lakeisha Jenkins? That is all that I have.
I saw a couple of ladies walk in after you call their names. Okay. Could you please tell us your name if you're on the list, please? I'm sorry? Do we have them on the list? Let's please allow them the opportunity. No? No. I don't have herring. I have Mona. Speak into this because we can't hear each other. I have Mona. I do not have a herring. Then let's if you have Mona, then can find Is she here? Please come up. Hi. Good evening, Madam President and members of the board. My name is Mona.
I'm part of PS5 and also part of PS5 PTA. I'm here to strongly advocate for the approval and award of the funds for the toilet room improvements for, PS5. It's been a a couple of years in the making. I was part of the, walk through originally at least two years ago when I my son's first started at PS five. So it's great to see that the SDA funding came through finally, and work will begin sometime in 2026. I'm hoping that, you know,
not just our school, but other schools in the district will also receive SDA funding because, you know, roofs on a lot of schools are need complete overhaul. And I hope that you guys will start working on the next 2026 to 2030 long range facilities plan and maybe create more town halls when you discuss next year's next school year's budget. Maybe at least two town halls, so you could gather parents' opinions of what's gonna be,
like, budgeted for next school year. Also in regards to the renovations that's going to be done for the bathrooms, we just want to make sure that the construction project manager and the architects are going to be ensuring that work wouldn't be done when the students are in school, because I do see in the contract that work is approved for 4PM and after, and there's Casper at PS5. So we want to make sure that construction dust isn't going to be near any of the classrooms that Casper kids are going to be in. And making sure that the architect firm
And the construction, like, manager that's part of the district will oversee, you know, each step of the way in the plant and the renovations. Thank you so much. Good night. Megan, If you may. Fox. I'm sorry. Thank you, miss. If he needs to speak to me and my if you can address that or or have somebody speak to him. Yeah. Okay. Also, just to start, I know there's a few more, parents who are coming. We had an event at PS 35, so that just ended, and there are a few on their way, just as an FYI. But, good evening. Nice to meet everyone. I'm Megan Fox.
I'm a parent at PS 37 and the treasurer on the Cordero PTA. Please bring the microphone closer to you because we could barely hear you. Sorry. Stop. Is that better? I hate shouting. Good evening, everyone. I'm Megan Fox. I am a parent, of a kindergartner at PS thirty seven and the Cordero PTA treasurer. I'm here to just, talk about accountability, which is, I think, the important foundation of good governance, which is essentially what the BOE is all about and what we look to you
all, to do for us as parents and taxpayers in Jersey City. As a parent and taxpayer, the findings of what is available around the special education audit is extremely concerning. We need transparency around this. As parents, it can be really difficult to navigate this experience in the education, of our children, which is the most important thing to all of us, and we look to you all to do that, to hold the district accountable. You know, frankly, there is a loss of trust amongst parents and taxpayers when we read the things
that we read, and people are paying attention. I think that's a really important message to deliver, and what's happening in Montclair has gone viral among parents and taxpayers in Jersey City. And so I think it's incumbent on all of you to make sure that that's not happening in Jersey City. More importantly, you have the awesome responsibility of educating and nurturing the youth of Jersey City. I can't think of a more important responsibility. It pales in comparison to how I spend my day, and so hats off to all of you. But that's why it's extremely important.
And that's why the results of the special education audit is even more concerning because that's the more vulnerable population of our, children. We need the audit released. Period. Full stop. There's no reason that shouldn't be the case. I'm frankly confused why that wouldn't be the case. We need to conduct a national search for a new director, because we need new leadership, new input, new ideas, new insight on how to help this population. Our community demands it. My own daughter in kindergarten has speech delays,
and it's impacting her learning and development, and getting the resources this early on in her education is surprisingly challenging as a parent. It's, again, not my area of expertise, and advocating for her has become a really important part of my role as parent. But I'm looking to all of you to make sure those resources are available, that they're accountable, that they're effective, that my daughter has what she needs to learn, grow, and develop, and have all that life offers her. So, with that, thank you very much for your time. Okay. Is that okay. The last of our speakers.
Thank you all for coming in, and thank you, for expressing your concerns in such a, articulate as well as, eloquent way. Thank you all. Let's let's move on. Now yes. Superintendent will now speak on on the issues spoken about, and then we're going to ask the board give the board an opportunity to speak. Let's move on, please. Let's move on. Okay. I'm sorry? We who? I know. Please give us your name.
Number 10. I just I just closed up. Public comments have been closed. However, I will take the lead from this board. If they feel that we need to open it up again, we will. If not, I do not because we have a lot of issues to address today. I I hear that, but I I support opening it up. So I move to open. Okay. I agree. You need a second. You have a motion to open it. Okay. That was a motion. Now you have discussion. That was the motion. Who's the second? Second. George,
second. All in favor? All in favor? Aye. We're open again. Thank you. And please give us your name because, we've already called them, so we'd like to know who you are on our list. Okay? Thank you so much for coming in. Thank you for accommodating. My name is Nisha Patel. Okay. So thank you, and good evening. Apologies for our tardiness. We're coming from an event at our school. I'm here as a parent of two Jersey City Public school students and as a taxpayer. I have a lot of concerns, but in my three minutes today, I'd like to address the special education audit.
This initial audit results, I was surprised to see in the last board meeting, Doctor Fernandez, that you called it incomplete, but yet at the same time, we're able to start remediation actions. If this audit was good enough to start remediate start remediating, then it's good enough for the public to see. If we were all major shareholders in a corporate entity or a board of directors and result received results like this audit, the board would likely demand an immediate overhaul of management. We have severe infrastructure issues across our district, so we cannot have taxpayer funds disappear that could have been used for repairing our
100 year old school buildings. We are supposed to be able to trust the administration, and parent involvement should be focused in our schools and on our children, not us having to raise alarm bells and trying to show presence here. So that way, you know that we're paying attention. Special needs families and the need the most support, and you need to make it accessible for them to also return, join and return virtual public comment. I feel like it's obvious that we need a district wide audit, and I would like to just say that, you know, the special needs families and all families,
these students, every year that they're not getting something that they deserve and that they need is a year that they cannot get back in their lives. Thank you. Have a good evening. Thank you very much, miss Patel. The the next person, please. And you're on the list as well. Yes. I am. You're Miranda? Yes. Please speak in. K. So, I'm also, a parent at Cordero P S 37. My son doesn't have any special needs. So I speak as a concerned parent part of the general public here.
Mhmm. So a parent of the Jersey that belongs to the Jersey City Board of Education. And, yeah, I just wanted to, echo what the rest of these parents said that, we're here, we're watching, we're concerned about, the, audit that's been done, and we would like a continuation of the audit. Okay. Maybe, generalizing it to, other areas, of concern. And, we'd like a sort of a transparent process where, you tell us what you find, what kind of things you think are gonna remediate the problem,
a clear timeline, somebody that we can talk to, that's in charge of remediation. So we just like a more transparent, process, at the Jersey City Board of Education. Mhmm. Thanks very much. Thank you very much. There was one yes. Your name, please. Yeah. Hi. My name is Kirsten Meister. I'm a parent at PS thirty seven also. I happen to be the p the PTA president, here representing all the parents in our school. We have many concerns. I think everything has been brought to the table. Whatever I have to say is repetitive. First, the concern is about the special education audit.
I don't need to say all those things again because you've heard those several times tonight, but I echo those sentiments. The second thing is I urge you to initiate a district wide audit. We have several concerns. I also urge you to look at our technology use processes. We've met with doctor Fernandez, which I'm really thankful for your time the other day and your team, but it's clear that we don't have any clear cut policies that are being enacted across every single school district. Everybody's doing their own thing. Maybe that's a system problem, maybe that's a classroom problem, maybe that's leadership at the school problem,
but you need to fix the problem. I am also just here because I want you to know that we're all watching. We have sat on the sidelines for far too long, and we're gonna continue to show up, and there's gonna be more of us. So you can't ignore us anymore. We're gonna keep asking questions, and we're not going away. I know that your job is tough. I appreciate what you do. I'm a leader in my field too. It's not easy. It's not. But our children deserve better. We all pay a lot of money to live here. We can do better, and you need to. Thank you for your time,
and I'll be seeing you in the next meeting too. Thank you. Okay. That being, the end, the last of our speakers, doctor Fernandez, please. Thank you. Miss Mendelsoz, I see that you're still you're still here. Thank you for meeting with doctor Savino and the families of the children at the school and miss Cacaro this evening. As you know, the concern has been addressed and will continue to be addressed. Unfortunately, publicly, we cannot comment on any student issues. Probably. I'm I'm I'm
sorry. We afford you your three minutes to speak, and then now our superintendent will address your issues, but we will no longer have any more comments from you. Thank you. You can address that. Go ahead, miss doctor Fernandez. Continue, please. Thank you. Go ahead. Miss Doctor Fernandez. Miss Mendelza, I We will continue. Emails, and you have Our portion is with your assistant superintendent. Please have a seat. This is not the format of a board meeting does not allow for a question
and answer. We will continue. The, parents had about the special education report is posted on board docs on the, November 13 meeting, and you will find a document on the district website on board docs. It's agenda item 10.3. Part two of the report will be released when it's complete. According to the firm conducting the audit, it will be ready in late spring. The con so that's the best information I can give you at this time.
The contract that's referenced on the audit is the standard contract provided by the state for students out of district placement. That was not being implemented by the district for decades, but as of 2025, 'twenty six school year, the contract that is statewide issue is being implemented, and every month, out of district placement, all of them, because there are numerous, they're all providing attendance together with the billing to be paid.
So that's reference. We will not entertain outside any more, discussion. If you cannot abide by our protocol, you just are gonna have to dismiss yourself. Please. Please. We allowed you your time. Respect ours. Continue, doctor Fernandez. Social education vendor stops providing services, we must go out for a new RFP, and that is a lengthy process. I do understand that your child is receiving services at the school.
Every year, the district conducts a financial audit, and the findings are shared publicly and submitted to the state. So audits are part of regulations that we comply with every year. The special ed audit was a operational based on practices. To the parents from that I met with yesterday about screen time. Thank, thank you for meeting with us. Miss Ruan and I, with the support of three district supervisors,
had a meeting with approximately 60 parents to listen and share information about the integration of technology across the curriculum. We shared that we would share we shared that we are going to document and make available to all the administrators and staff the importance of keeping a healthy balance in the intentional use of technology. We view a healthy educational balance in the use of technology, not as an amount of screen time,
but about with the intentionality of its application. Technology will be used as a scaffold for learning, a tool to amplify human potential rather than substitute for fundamental human connections. We've learned, if nothing else, during the pandemic, that human interactions are extremely important. And so it will be done. Thank you. We just met with you yesterday or the day before, so thank you very much.
Trustees, you all received the complete packet for the lease of 70 Bright Street. Doctor Luce, can you add any more information about the lease of 70 Bright Street? Yes. Thank you. If I could just talk a little initially about so just to give clarity about what the time frame of this was. So the bid was advertised twice in the Star Ledger as specifically required for all lease bids. It was advertised on November 4 and again on November 12,
so you must advertise twice. It was posted on the district website on November 4. There was a pre bid walk through, which needs to, take place before the final submission. Everyone who is interested, any interested parties are welcome to attend this pre bid walk through. That took place on November 18, and then there is a week thereafter that we need to give lead time in case there are any additional questions from interested parties. The bids were unsealed on December 5, which is what you see today on board docs.
This is for a vote. Anything that was put in for a bid, there were two companies. I could give you the analytics if you'd like. Once it was put into the system, it shows there were 11 people that followed it. There were 17 interested parties that downloaded it. There were six people that put in an application. Three did not bid, and there were only two submissions. So of the two submissions, one is that you see here today. This is for a vote. All the information is clearly here. It does indicate that the this interested party would be responsible for,
upgrades within the building, that that would not be part of the district. But, again, this is just up for a vote. This is the same process that we use for every single bid. It is part of the regulations. As for the contract, anything else that's on board docs today that has a contract, it's been the same process. This is no different than any other one. So thank you. Thank you, president Velasquez. And thank you both, for the that clarity. But board members, do we have any, concerns or or addressing the concerns of the public that we'd like to make public
right now, or we can go into, executive session. Through the chair. Yes. I would like confirmation publicly that on in January, we will review the corrective actions being taken for the special ed audit. Is that what I had heard last night at the caucus? Trustee Schneider, as I shared last evening with you and the newspaper, or not newspaper blog. The, in January, we will have the corrective action plan. We had the students performing this evening, and I thought that would be more important than.
Thank you. Thank you. Guys, could you yeah. Please allow our microphones to stay open, please. Thank you. Through the chair? Okay. Yes. Yes. I just want to chime in also again on the 70 Bright Street and to those to those public speakers that were not at caucus or obviously we didn't have a recording necessarily, but it was addressed right there. We did have a public speaker at caucus who addressed it, and we responded. As trustees, I am the chair of the finance committee and the facilities committee together with trustee
Schneider, board president, and, doctor George Blunt. And we as doctor Luce explained that the bid came in after we held our meeting. However, as soon as we received the information on board docs, we shared our concerns, and we agreed that we will continue discussing it. Between caucus and today, the board received additional much more detailed information as to the company that is being considered for the top bid. We are still very much discussing it. In fact, I hope that when we go to closed session, this will be a very involved discussion with everybody's input.
So please, just be you know, please know that we are very much on it, and, you will know, hopefully, when we come out what the decision will be. But no one's taking it lightly. The process is being followed. We are trying to understand the process, and we are constantly asking questions and asking for details. So this is where we are. You are seeing us in the midst of this. Once we go into closed session, we will be able to dissect it further. Yes, sir. And, through the chair. I would also comment on the technology. I think it's worth at least bringing it up in our,
policy committee and exploring that. I'd like to hear a little bit more feedback from the meeting yesterday. And then also, just from what I'm hearing from the community that there is maybe what can we do to to, craft policies that really are aligned across the district. So, you know, not saying we will do it, but I think it's worth having a further discussion. Thank you. Do you have an answer to that, Antoinette? If I may. Mhmm. One more thing. I would like to take a moment to recognize Martina Boulay, our student elected to represent citywide who to represent all the scholars in the district
who was elected by citywide student council. And thank you. This is the final time as a student representative. In June, you will be graduating, but thank you for serving your term. Serving on this board is a serious commitment. It requires patience, critical thinking, and the courage to speak up in a room full of adults. Martina has handled that role with remarkable poise and maturity. You have ensured that the students' voice was not just heard, but truly considered in our decision making.
We also have for you a plaque commemorating your, service to this board. So thank you very much. Trustees? You're welcome. Martina, you will be speaking in a minute, but we do want to congratulate you, on ending a beautiful year with a lot of, sophistication. You behave like a total adult all of the times. And times we had to look to you, okay, for that guidance of how we should comport ourselves. So we thank you. And you did advise us a couple of times.
Thank you for that. But before we, we go, the our whole round with with you, Martina, I just want to communicate to the audience that just as you have, we we as a board have looked at, 70 Bryce Street with the same, in-depth diligence and also, concerns. And as you heard, it's coming up for a vote today, but we are still discussing it, and we are still working towards ensuring that when we take the vote,
it is a vote that's gonna benefit the district and our students. Regardless which way the vote go, it'll be done because our eyes are we are always going to be on what's best for our students. We are taking into consideration all your concerns, and we thank you for bringing them to us this evening. To the chair? Yes. I just wanted to, before we take a picture to address, please, generally, to to the special education piece of tonight. Yes. I serve on the legislative committee for the NJSBA.
And as well, I've also been newly appointed to the, Hudson County School Board associate association. And I wanna be very vital to improving the special education policies and also anything that can be taken, you know, to a state level where we can, not just resolve the issues that we have facing in special education in Jersey City, but also statewide. Because they're not these parents are not alone in the special education realm. And it's been a very long time where special education students have been,
kinda sidelined just in general in life. And, there's a lot of advocacy going on right now, and this is, like, a prime time where we can really hit the the nail on the head and get things going for our students so that they can have full lives, you know, in the future. Thank you so much. And I know that you we know that you've been doing, you know, an excellent job, on that committee. So, you know, we encourage that you, continue to bring to us all of their concerns, but also,
how we can reach solutions for these concerns because we can't continue to hear the concerns and not do anything about it. Okay? So please make sure that when you, meet with your committee, something like that is also a yeah. Ring thank you so much. Okay. Through the chair. I just had a question. I'm not gonna repeat because I know everyone here has had some really great questions. But I do think one of the parents said something about their child being reassigned to a different school multiple times. And I know that we're cognizant of the bus routes,
and that's why we remove students. But if they do have an IEP where they, rely on the student general, because we can't speak up No. No. No. In general. In general. If a student does have an IEP that does rely on that socialization aspect and they're consistently moved, is there maybe a protocol in place that might assist with making sure a student with, that aspect in general in their IEP can be well served and maybe not move so that they are able to make those connections in the classroom.
Okay. No. I'm I'm letting you No. No. Express yourself. So in general, all students, it is the law to keep them in the least restrictive environment. We have neighborhood schools. So the goal is to have children in their neighborhood where they develop friends. They walk to school together. They have that social interaction. So continuing to isolate that child at a school where they don't, have their friends with them, where it's more difficult,
it becomes it's almost unlawful because we're supposed to have children in the least restrictive environment, which means their neighborhood school with children of their age, with children who are the whole, from gifted and talented to the youngest learner at all ability levels. So that is the idea why students are placed in their neighborhood schools so that they can be, a specific conversation could be had with the,
case manager on the child study team for consideration. But the goal is to keep students in the least restrictive environment within their neighborhood. Through the chair? Yes. I wanna ask the question a little more directly because I wrote it down, and, I wasn't gonna say anything. But I think what the parents said was the child was in a particular school receiving services and then moved from a one placement, meaning in the IEP, to a different, classification. And that the services that the child now needed to receive were in the school
that the child was currently in. So the question really is, why are we moving students to new schools to receive services that they can receive in the school that they're currently in regardless of the fact that it's a neighborhood school? We cannot discuss this It has not not not a We cannot discuss this in public. Okay. The law is the least restrictive environment. So can we can we discuss it when we get to an executive session? Okay. You will have your answer there, doctor.
It was really a general question. Okay. I didn't want you to answer or anybody to specify, give any clarification to the individual situation. Mhmm. My question was general in terms of students. I just used her situation as an example to paint the picture. So I do wanna ask the question again. In general, overall, if a student is in a particular school and the student's classification changes from whatever to whatever, and the services that the student would now need are currently being offered in their
school, why would we move the student to a different school that they're unfamiliar in? To have the student in he his or her neighborhood with students who may live across the street in the building so that students, live and go to school in their neighborhoods versus being transported to a school that is clear across town or not they won't have any of those friends after school.
Okay. Thank you. Yes. I'm going to allow I'm going to give her her time in a minute. Are you done? Yeah. I'm done. Okay. Thank you. If there aren't any more questions from the board, I we'd like to hear from Martina and her report and how she's enjoyed growing with us all these months. Go ahead, Martina. Good evening, superintendent doctor Fernandez, president Velasquez, vice president Cisdale, and all board trustees. She's gonna be fine. As I sit here today,
knowing this is my final meeting, As I sit here today, knowing this is my final meeting as the pupil representative, I can't help but feel a mix of emotions. It's hard to believe that this journey, which has meant so much to me, is coming to an end. Reflecting on this experience, I realize how much I've grown not just as a representative, but as a person. Over the past eleven months, I learned that student voice is not a small or symbolic thing. It is powerful. When students are invited into conversations at this level,
when their lived experiences are taken seriously, it changes the way they see themselves and the way they imagine their futures. I learned that representation is not about speaking the loudest. It's about speaking honestly and with purpose and trusting that the people around you are truly listening. I have also learned how much thought and care goes into every decision made in this room. Sitting among all of you, I saw firsthand the complexity of balancing what is ideal and what is possible, and how deeply each of you care about doing what is best for our students.
It has given me a new appreciation for the work that happens behind the scenes, work most students never get to witness. Most importantly, this experience has taught me the value of collaboration. Every conversation, every debate, and every moment spent considering student needs reminded me that meaningful change is never the effort of one person alone. It happens when people with different roles, perspectives, and levels of experience sit at the same table and listen to one another with respect. I am grateful that you made space for me at that table.
I also want to express my heartfelt thanks to those who supported me along the way. To begin, thank you so much for my parents. My mom is over there sitting in the crowd. Who always believed in me and encouraged me to pursue opportunities even when they felt out of reach. I seriously never thought that I would be selected to sit here amongst you guys. Thank you to the principles of Infinity Institute, Doctor. Dobson, and Doctor. O'Neil for being a source of encouragement and for showing me what leadership looks like
in practice. Thank you to Ms. Williams for her guidance and support as I learned how to navigate this as she taught me how to navigate this role with confidence. And thank you to the students who trusted me with representing their voices. You guys are truly the reason I took on this big responsibility. And a very, very, very big thank you to the superintendent doctor Fernandez, president Velasquez, vice president Tisdale, and every single board trustee. Thank you for treating my voice with respect. You took me seriously from the start,
whether it was when I advocated for a centralized scholarship system, the recognition of orthodox Christmas in next year's calendar, or the inclusion of different dietary needs within our school lunch. You listened to me thoughtfully and modeled what committed leadership looks like. You each shaped my experience in a meaningful way, and I'm truly grateful for the kindness, the patience, and openness you showed me throughout my term. As I close this chapter, there's a sadness in saying goodbye, but also a deep gratitude.
This experience has shaped me in ways I will never forget, in ways I will carry long after tonight. And even though my time here is ending, a part of me will always be in this room, and the work we've done together and in the lessons you've given me. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to learn from all of you. It has been one of the greatest honors. Why are you still there? What happened? Why did you get around the black screen? Wait. You know, please. Jesus, allow us to have a moment. Let her run the Exactly. Give her another round of applause. Okay. Let's give her another round of applause. She has she came to us
with excellence, and she only grew in her own excellence while she was with us. And I wanna tell you, Martina, this is not, Martina, this is not your last rodeo. We expect to hear from you. Martina, we expect to hear a a lot from you in the future. Always find a seat at the table. If there's not a seat for you, as Charlie Shisham said, you bring your own chair. Now I'll tell you later. I will now entertain a motion to go into closed session.
Motion Second. And second by that that motion by mister Morris and second by all in favor? Aye. Before everybody leaves Yes. Go ahead. Pursuant to open public meeting act NJSA 10 colon four dash 12, the city of individual privacy rights or a matter involving a lease or acquisition of property or pending or anticipated litigation. The matters discussed in this closed session can be made public at the time that
the need for confidentiality no longer exist. President, when will how how long? Okay. We are closing. All in favor? Okay. Trustee Ioffe? Present. Trustee Morris? Present. Trustee Mohammed? Present. Trustee Patel? Present. Trustee Viszabella? Present. Trustee Schneider? Present. Vice President Tisdale? Here. President Velasquez. We have Here. Okay. Give me a second. Okay. We're going to, we're going to start, voting on the agenda items now.
So we're I'm sorry. Item six point o one. Motion. Motion by mister Morris. Second. Second by, miss Iofe. Any questions? Discussion? Call the vote, please. Trustee Visabella? Yeah. Six point o one. Six point o one. 6.1. Adoption of minutes. Yes. Trustee Schneider? Yes. Trustee Mohammed? Yes. Trustee Blunt? Yes. Trustee Ioffe? Yes. Trustee Morris? Yes. Trustee Patel? Yes. Vice President Tisdale? Yes. President Velasquez?
Yes. Yes. Motion passed. Okay. Education curriculum instruction, that's, seven point o one Motion. Two seven, point one eight teen. Motion by trustee Morris. Second. Second by doctor Blunt. Discussion? Being none, please call. Trustee Morris. Aye. Trustee Patel. Yes. Trustee Schneider. Yes. Yes. Trustee Blunt. Yes. Trustee Ioffe. Yes. Trustee Mohammed. Yes. Vice President Tisdale. Yes. President Velasquez.
Yes. Motion passed. Thank you. Special education, eight point 01. To 8.04. Motion. Okay. Motion and second. Go ahead. Motion here. Second over there. Okay. Take the vote, please. Trustee Patel? Yes. Trustee Schneider? No on 8.01 through 8.03. Yes on 8.04. Okay. Trustee Visabella? No on 801, 802, 803, and yes on 804. Trustee Belong? Yes. Trustee Ioffe? Yes. Trustee Mohammed?
Yes. Trust, vice president Tisdale? Yes. And president Velasquez? Yes and all. Motion passed. Okay. Finance, nine point o one to 918. Motion? Motion. Second. Second. Discussion. I just want to say that, for a nine point o 9.15, I think it's a very creative proposal, that what the board saw, I know not all the details are in the public and can't comment on all of them. I will be voting no on that, but I think it's worth, revisiting.
And if we can get add a few things, I think, to the documentation, I think the board I myself would be much more comfortable with with it with moving forward. So I want to say that for the public record, that I hope afterwards we can push it to committee and revisit that one. Thank you. Through the chair? Yes, if I may. So again, as the chair of the finance committee and Doctor. Schneider is also on that committee, I second what he just said. And I think that we are all in agreement that as a concept, it's a wonderful idea. We all want this to happen and to be successful for the sake of the
district, for the sake of the future revenues, as well as additional educational opportunities. However, as things stand now with this particular offer, we'd like to, see if there's a better option out there and if we could approach it differently. Thank you. Okay. And, I just wanna say that I I agree with both, Matt and and Natalia, and I think I we should vote this down and, bring the issue back to committee. Call the vote, please. Trustee Blunt? Yes. Trustee Ioffe? Yes. On all except Wait.
This is the one that we would oh, okay. No. But we could ask him. You've done it as well. Yeah. Go ahead. Okay. No. Okay. No. No. Yeah. Exactly. That's the vote. Thank you. Okay. Go ahead. Trustee Ayeofi. Yes on all. No on 915. Trustee Morris. Yes on all. But, madam what what was the number again? 9 915. Oh, 915. Yes or no? Trustee Mohammed? Yes. Trustee Patel? Yes to all except, 915, which is a no.
Yes to all. Trustee Rosabella? Yes to all except for 915, which is a no. Yes to all except 915. That's a no. Vice president Cizdio. I'm going to abstain on 9.03 and nine zero four. I'm gonna vote no for 9.15, and then yes for the rest. President Velasquez. Yes and all, no, and 9.15. Okay. So 9.15 does not pass. All the rest do. Thank you. Through the chair, I just have a question.
Is 9.16 the Whitsons? Yes. Can I change 9.16 to no? I'm sorry. I would like to change 9.16 to no. That's fine. Sorry, Woodson. Okay. Very good. We're moving on to, facilities 10. 10 Motion. 10 o one. To 10 o seven. We're here and but the community and the public that's watching us, they don't know what we're voting on yet. So if you will allow the motion and the second to come after we've explained
what are the numbers that would probably be best for all of us and for them to understand what's going on. Thank you. It's been it's been moved. Any questions? Discussion? Call the vote, please. Trustee Schneider? Yes and all. Trustee Patel? Yes and all. Trustee Morris? Yes. Trustee Mohammed? Yes. Trustee Ioffe? Yes. Trustee Rosabella? Yes. Trustee Blunt? Yes. Vice president Tisdale? Yes. President Velasquez? Yes. Motion passed. Thank you. Eleven personnel, 11.01
to 11.14. Motion. Second. And second. Discussion? Trustee Rosabella. Timers? Yes. Trustee Iofe. Yes. Trustee Schneider. Yes. Trustee Mohammed. Yes. Trustee Patel. Yes. Trustee Blunt. Yes. Trustee Morris. No idea. Vice President Zisdale. Yeah. President Velasquez. Yes. Motion passed. Thank you. 12:12.01 to twelve I'm sorry. To twelve point o three. Motion? Motion. Second. Thank you. Discussion? Move.
You ain't funny. I don't care. What are you talking about? Go ahead. Please. Trustee Mohammed? Yes. Yes. Yes. Trustee Belunt? Yes. Trustee Patel? Yes. Trustee Morris? Yes. Trustee Schneider? Yes. Vice president Tisdale? Yes. President Velasquez? Yes. Motion passed. Thank you. Motion. Do we have a first reading or something? Policy? Emulsion. 13.01. Do we have to have a second reading? We have a first, I believe. This is Yes. Yes, we will next month. This is this was your first? First reading,
yes. Through the chair? This is the first reading of the library materials policy that we discussed in caucus. So it's it's in the agenda books because the Freedom to Read Act went into effect this month. We're reading for the first reading today of this library materials policy. Very good. Thank you. And so we're not voting on it and or we're voting on this and then we do it second reading next month. You're right. Moved. It's a second. It's a second. Discussion. Okay. Please call roll. Trustee Patel? Yes. Trustee Mohammed? Yes.
Trustee Visabella? Yes. Trustee Ioffe? Yes. Trustee Belant? Yes. Trustee Morris? Trustee Schneider? Yes. Vice president Tisdale? Yes. President Velasquez? Yes. Motion passed. Mhmm. I don't know. We're at fourteen. Fourteen point o one to fourteen point o two. Motion, anyone? Motion. Second. Okay. Ready? Yes. Trustee Mohammed? Yes. Trustee Patel? Yes. Trustee Schneider? Yes. Trustee Blunt? Yes. Trustee Morris? Hi. Trustee Rosabella? Yes. Trustee Ioffe?
Yes. Vice President Tisdale? Yes. President Velasquez? Yes. Motion passed. Okay. Before we call for, motion to adjourn, I'd like, mister Rivera, the attorney, to say a couple of words with regards to entering the building without, without, formal consent of the district and the district meeting calling the superintendent's office. Go ahead. That's okay. Thank you. She'll see. Thank you, board president. It it came up, during closed session, an issue around,
individuals, in in Jersey City accessing our public schools or our buildings, without the appropriate, permission by the district or the superintendent. And I just wanna remind the public That we do have a district policy seven four four zero school district security, which does specifically require that individuals, are only authorized to enter buildings with permission and and access to school buildings and grounds, outside the hours of in session or during session require that they, be an employee and be, authorized to enter our buildings,
just to remind the public that we it's important that we keep our schools safe, and we only allow individuals who are authorized to enter. Thank you. Madam President. Yes. Go ahead. Yes, sir. Welcome. I just wanted because we're done, right? Well, we haven't adjourned, so you have an opportunity to attend. No. No. No. I just wanted to I just wanted to say thank you, to you, for having a very productive year. I know this is, December, and we're gonna have, either the same leadership or new leadership. But I just wanna thank you for a productive year, this year, and congratulations on your reelection. Wow.
Thank you so much. You're welcome. Trustee Morris. First of all, you know, I think I need to publicly thank that community out there that gave me such a beautiful run of 19,127 votes. Thank you. Thank you all, and also thank all of you for, you know, the work that you did during the year, but also the work that you did so that we could return,
trustee Afloff and I, could return to the board. We, as we said before, we're going to miss, doctor Tisdale, but doctor Tisdale is not going very far. I know. And, but, again, I thank you all, and I thank the whole board. I think we've had in as much as we did have challenges, and you know we did, we also did our work as a board, and we did it with dignity, with elegance, with respect, with, professionalism, and I thank you all. And I will continue to probably have challenges with you,
but I will not stop loving all of you. Thank you so very much. Merry Christmas, and happy New Year. Right? We'll see you soon. Okay? Now motion to adjourn. Motion. All in favor? Meeting is closed.